Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in patients with Bell palsy (BP). Moreover, we aimed to find out any correlation between MPV levels and the severity and prognosis of BP.

MATERIALS and METHODS: The study group consisted of 30 subjects who presented with BP and 30 control subjects with no evidence of facial nerve pathology. The evaluation of subjects included a detailed history, general physical examination, and assessment of laboratory blood parameters.

RESULTS: The mean MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW) values in patients with BP were significantly higher than the control group (p=0.02, p=0.0001 respectively). The mean platelet count (PC) values in the BP group and control group were similar (p=0.169). There was positive correlation between MPV values and grade of facial paralysis (r=0.716, p=0.0001). Also, there was positive correlation between PDW values and grade of facial paralysis (r=0.376, p=0.041). In contrast, there was no correlation between MPV and PDW values and prognosis of facial paralysis (r= 0.275, p=0.142; r= 0.073, p=0.703 respectively).

CONCLUSION: There is no previous study that has investigated the association between MPV values and BP in the literature. Higher MPV values in BP patients may be a predictor of worse severity.